Top Causes of a Sagging Roof and Repair Solutions
A sagging roof is no joke. If you begin to notice dips or bows in the roofline or humps and waviness on the roof plane, you might have a sagging roof. This can be dangerous for homes in areas like Madison, WI, where heavy snowfall is prevalent.
Any added weight to a sagging roof is a cause for great concern, and it's possible you may have a roof collapse if you don’t address the problem immediately. Isthmus Roofing is here to show you the top causes of a sagging roof and some potential roof repair solutions.
Top Causes of a Sagging Roof
There are a few major causes of a sagging roof. But it’s important to know them all in order to be aware of problems as soon as they start. Read on to find out about what can cause a sagging roof:
Water Damage
Rain and melting snow can damage a poorly designed roof. Rain and snow can also damage roofs that have not been maintained properly. If you have old or ruined shingles or roofing materials, water will easily get inside your roof, causing other problems. If your roof does not allow water to run off, or if your metal flashing is damaged, water will quickly damage your roof. Water will weaken your roof’s underlying structure, and the roof will begin to sag.
Another culprit for water damage is a poorly designed or damaged gutter system. Without proper drainage away from the house, water and melting snow can pool and seep into your roof. In addition, if you have poor ventilation in your attic, moisture can build up, which makes your water damage problem even worse.
Excessive Weight
Another cause of sagging roofs is excessive weight from heavy snow in the winter. The heavy snow can strain your roof and cause it to sag. If you’re worried about this being a problem, call a professional roofing contractor to remove the snow from your roof, or buy a roof rake and remove some of the snow yourself.
If you do this yourself, stay on the ground while raking your roof. Do not use a roof rake while on a ladder. In addition, you should always have your roof inspected before winter to avoid problems occurring once the snow begins to fall.
Faulty or Poor Quality Roofing Materials
Improperly installed roofing or poor-quality materials can pose a problem for roofs. These materials can wear out quicker when exposed to extreme weather conditions and cause your roof to sag over time.
Best Sagging Roof Repair Solutions
There are several ways to repair a sagging roof before the unthinkable happens. Just remember that you’re not alone when it comes to repairing a sagging roof. Companies like Isthmus Roofing are here to help you correct your sagging roof and prevent further damage.
Repair or Replace Gutter System
If water damage is your main problem, replacing or repairing your gutter system is the right way to help fix the issue. This will ensure that water has a place to go instead of pooling on your roof and getting inside the structure. A bad gutter system can cause other problems for your home, so this should be a priority.
Attic Ventilation
Attic ventilation is a vital part of your roofing system, and if you have poor attic ventilation, then it’s important to fix that problem. Proper ventilation will also help you avoid other problems, like ice dams forming in the wintertime, and reduce the occurrence of mold.
Brace the Structure
To correct the actual sag in your roof, angled braces will be installed to help shore up the rafters. Additionally, chains attached to wall plates and linked in the middle with a turnbuckle can help support the walls. Your roofing contractor may use jack posts to raise the roof before installing any additional reinforcements.
Replace Shingles and Roofing Materials
If your shingles and roofing materials were not installed correctly, then you need a roofing contractor like Isthmus Roofing to help you. A professional roofing contractor can install brand-new shingles and roofing materials to help prevent further issues. If you are experiencing any of the above problems with your roof, then a DIY approach is not recommended.
Contact Isthmus Roofing Today to Fix Your Sagging Roof
A sagging roof can become more and more expensive to repair the longer you wait to act on it. Contacting Isthmus Roofing at the first signs of sag can help keep your roof from sagging further, and it will cost less than waiting for something worse to happen.
Call Isthmus Roofing today at 608-949-0533 or get a free estimate today!